Get ready for Avon River Days

There are plenty of interesting things to see and do during Avon River Days. (Contributed)

If you live in Windsor and West Hants, the August long weekend means one thing: lots of activities for all ages at Avon River Days.

“It’s all about family fun,” VanEssa Roberts, director of community development, tourism and recreation for the Town of Windsor, says. “We know people make plans to come home for this weekend and you’re bound to see old friends that you may not have seen in years.”

This year’s lineup will have the town hopping from Friday, Aug. 4, to Sunday, Aug. 6.

Activities on Friday include the Wet and Wild Pool Party at the Elmcroft Playground from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be activities for kids at the playground from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. And a summer afternoon wouldn’t be complete without barbecued hotdogs and pop.

Saturday morning, fuel up for the day’s activities at the Lions Club community breakfast at the Windsor Community Centre beginning at 7:30 a.m.

“Gerrish Street is under construction this year so we’re working on the parade route, so stay tuned to local media closer to the date for the route,” Roberts says. “We know it will start at the fairgrounds and will wind its way to the waterfront.”

Following the Grand Parade is the Children’s Parade, starting from the community centre at 12:30 p.m. Also, there’s face painting available on site. On Saturday afternoon, there’s something for the kids in the family at the waterfront, including bounce rides, games, vendors and a visit from Hope for Wildlife —a workshop with tortoises and turtles at the Coach House on the waterfront from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be all kinds of activities planned for every member of the family, including practising your swing at the 19th Hole Driving Range or hiking the Avon region trails on Sunday with members of the West Hants Trails Association. At the Eldridge Road Recreation Centre, participants are invited to their own basketball, tennis, soccer game, or picnic during the weekend. Also, Fort Edward will be hosting a fitness boot camp and midnight yoga during the festival. If you’re looking for something quieter, drop into Readers’ Haven for a number of activities.

The Trecothic Railway will also be open for miniature train rides during the weekend.

Everyone is welcome to test their aim at the dunk tank in support of the SPCA. It will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Test your aim for $1 per ball or $5 for six.

“There are all kinds of things to do and most of them are relatively inexpensive or free,” Roberts says. “It’s a great weekend to come home.”